Navstar 2-03

NSSDC/COSPAR ID: 1989-064A

Description

USA 42 (GPS 2 F3) was a navigational satellite launched by a three-stage Delta 2 rocket from Cape Canaveral AFS. It was part of the 21-satellite Navstar Global Postioning System Block 2 series that provides precise position data (accurate to within 16 m) to military and civilian users worldwide. It's signals could be received on devices as small as a telephone. The GPS 2 satellites, built by Rockwell International for the Air Force Space Systems Division, each have a 7.5-year design life. The Air Force intends to launch a GPS every 2 to 3 months until the constellation of 21 operational satellites and 3 spares is aloft. The Block 2 Navstars join 7 operational Block 1 satellites.